Surgical separator



Aug. 28; 1945. M.C. BORTAGARAY 2,383,705 SURGICAL SEPARATOR Filed A rii22, 1943 Patented Aug. 28, 1945 I SURGICAL SFPAEATOR- v 4 Mario roagaray, Resiste'ncia, Argentina, '3

Application pril'zz, 1943, sesame-4 4,05 I I. 2.Claim s. (01.13%20 V rThis invention relates-to improvements in surgical separators andessentially has for object a novel type of separator of thesaid kindwhich owing to its particular features of construction and itsefiiciency in use, offers several practical advantages of importance. Infact, the novel type of separator according to this invention permits ofconveniently maintaining an operatory opening in a distended or openposition, so as to expose a field of operationin a suitably accessibleand unobstructed condition, without requiring the help of assistantoperators, as has heretofore been necessary for that purpose. By usingthe novel type of separator which forms the object of this invention, areliable and adequate field for operation is secured, and urgicalinterventions are simplified to a considerable extent, to the advantageof both the operator and the patient.

The invention also views other objects which will more fully be referredto in the following description of the same.

In order to facilitate the understanding of this invention and allow ofthe same being readily carried into practice, a preferred embodiment ofsaid separator has been shown by way of example in the accompanyingsheet of drawings, wherein- Figure 1 shows a plan view of the novel typeof separator in accordance with this invention, the parts being in theirposition of use;

Figure 2 illustrates a partial section on the line 22 of Figure 1,showing the manner of connecting each of the separating members to itscorresponding support;

Figure 3 is a profile view of saidseparating members, and finally,

Figure 4 illustrates a modified construction of said separating members.

The same numbers of reference have been used to indicate like orcorresponding parts.

In the form of construction shown in Figures 1 to 3, the improvedseparator which forms the object of this invention, consists essentiallyof two arms I, adapted to slidably and detachably fit on a supportformed by two bars 2, 2, adjustably connected, by a rod 3, mounted in aperpendicular relation with regard to said bars.

The arms I, conveniently formed by straps or bands of sheet metal ofsuitable thickness and strength, are formed at their two ends with bentportions 4 and 5, arranged at right angles and in respectively oppositedirections, the shape and depth of said bent portions being variable sothat the other bar 2 is mounted to slide on said rod' a pluralit of setsof arms I are available to the 5 surgeon, aparticularset being'selectedfora par-j ticular patient.

The rod3 which connects the bars 2, 2 of the respective supports, ispreferably of square shape in cross section and is permanently'secu'redat one of its ends to the bar 2", for instance,while 3 by meansof a bush'or slide 6, of any suitable design, so as'to secure tween saidbars 2, 2; I

The retractor arms I are, as'previously stated, mounted detachably andslidably on said supporting members. To that end, the free ends of thebars 2 and 2' are provided, as will be apparent from Figure 2, withenlarged head portions F and F, each formed with a slot 8. One' of theinterior walls of this slot is provided witha clamping plate 9'connectedwitha'screw l0 having a wingedhead, thereby to be,readily 'adjustr ablein one wall of the slot to securea sel'ectedj retractor armin thedesired position by appro priately manipulating the screw.

With further reference to Figure 2, it will also be seen that the outeredge of the clamping plate 9 as well as one edge of the slot in the headare respectively formed with beveled surfaces II and 12 disposed inoutwardly divergent relation to facilitate the edgewise insertion of theretractor arms I into the head pieces.

With reference to Figure 1 it will further be seen that the bars 2, 2are provided, at their ends I4, respectively, designed to be used ashandles for facilitating the sliding movement of the bar 2 on said rod3, for approaching or removing the same to or from the bar-2.

For using the novel type of separator above described, the arms I areplaced in symmetrical and opposite positions, as shown in Figure 1, andthe bent portions 4 or 5 of the same, as may be the case, are caused toengage with the lips of the opening formed for the operation.

Thereupon the arms I are inserted into the slots 8 of the head pieces 1,1', in the manner shown in Figure 2, after which the thumb screws ID areadjusted in order to firmly retain said arms within the ends of the bars2, 2' by the pressure exerted by the screws on the plates 9. Theinsertion of the arms I is facilitated by the beveled edges ll, I2 ofsaid plates and head pieces.

Under these conditions, the surgeon, by acting on the eyes 13, I4 willcause the bar 2 to slide in a parallel direction along the rod 3 andthus separate the arms 1 one from the other, until providing a suitableoperatory field of an extena' perfect parallelism be;

sion which will allow of his convenient working.

The oppositely bent portions 4, 5 of the arms I and the differentdimensions of said bends will allow of the same adapting themselves todifferent depths or thicknesses of tissues and thereby simplify orreduce the several reserve instruments which would be required in eachcase. On the other hand, the oppositely bent parts which are being usedat any moment for distending the opening formed in the tissue, may beacted on by hand in either direction, in order to enlarge the opening ofthe operatory field, without necessity of the operator or his assistantshaving to approach their hands to said field, nor causing a rise of theseparating members of the same.

above the level The modified arrangement shown in'Figure 4,

consists in that the bent end portions 4 and 5 circular shape.

Owing to its excellent features of construction and operation, the noveltype of separator above described offers considerable; advantages'overthe devices of, a similar kind heretofore known and in consequence meansa contribution to progress in surgical technics. v

Afurther advantage of theimproved separator which forms the object,ofthis invention is its unlimited duration, as the sole element liable ofwearis the pressure plate 9, which may be'readily replaced whennecessary, so as to prolong the life of the apparatus indefinitely. I

From the foregoing description, the invention and the operation ofthesame will have clearly been understoodjand no further explanationswill be required by those skilled in the art.

It will be evident that several modifications of construction and detailmay be introduced without departing from the scope of the invention,such as will clearly be defined in the final claims hereunto annexed.

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my saidinvention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare thatwhat I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A surgical retractor device, including, a rod of non-circularcross-section, a pair of parallel arms carried by Said rod, one of saidarms being rigid therewith and the other being slidable thereon, saidarms each provided at their outer ends with outwardly opening andopen-sided slots, retractor arms formed with relatively fiatintermediate portions fitted edgewise in said slots with theirlongitudinal axes at right angles to the arms and adjustable lengthwisethrough the opensided slots, and manually operated clamping meanscooperating with said slots for holding said retractor arms securedinselected adjusted posi-'- tions,

2. A surgical retractor device, including, a rod of non-circular crosssection, a pair of strip-like arms carried by the rod, one of said armsbein rigid therewith and the other being slidably adjustable thereon,finger engaging eyes respectively on the ends of the armsadjacent therod, enlarged head portions at the ends of said arms opposite the eyesand provided with slots, reversible and interchangeable retractor armsfitted edgewise in said slots, and clamping means within said slots foradjustably securing said retractor arms in selected position,

MARIO CHAPO BORTAGARAY.

